London: Terrorist fireball on subway causes chaos, severe burns

An explosive device described as a “bucket bomb” detonated during rush hour in London in the subway. At least 18 persons, including a young schoolboy, were injured. Some suffered serious burns to the face when a fireball flew down a carriage of the train, packed with morning commuters. British police consider the incident a terrorist attack.

The bomb was concealed in a bucket inside a shopping bag. The deadly device only partially detonated inside the carriage. Following the blast, flames could be seen emerging from the device. It was left next to the carriage doors. Commuters were seen fleeing the Parsons Green station.

Armed police were seen aboard the train while an investigation has commenced. First-responders entered the Parsons Green station and train to deliver assistance. Witnesses said that at least 20 persons were injured. A police cordon has been placed around the area. Bomb squads are also in evidence. Officials said that 18 persons have been taken to area hospitals, none with life-threatening injuries. A young boy suffered the worst injuries, having sustained serious burns to his legs.

Prime Minister Theresa May has been apprised of the incident: the fifth major terror attack on British soil in six months. May will convene an emergency cabinet meeting this afternoon. Following the attack, May tweeted: “My thoughts are with those injured at Parsons Green and emergency services who are responding bravely to this terrorist incident." So far this year, Muslim terrorist attacks reaped five dead at Westminster in March, 22 dead at a concert in Manchester in May, eight killed in a rampage on London Bridge in June, and another death when a van rammed worshippers at a mosque in London.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan police force told the media, "The emergency services attended, and at this stage we are treating the matter as a terrorist-related incident. The Metropolitan Police counter terrorist command will take responsibility for that investigation. At this stage it is a little early to draw any full conclusions as to what the circumstances and cause of that explosion are. We are investigating and exploring that at the moment. We will give further information throughout the day and we want to remind people to remain alert and report anything suspicious to the emergency services."

Witnesses said that more than 100 commuters ran for their lives from Parsons Green station. As people fled, a stampede ensued. The injured and survivors were taken to the actual green where many comforted each other. Some said that they saw victims’ hair coming off, due to blast and flames. Some persons nearly had their clothing burned off. Witnesses said they could smell the odor of burning hair and flesh. One woman was seen to have received burns from head to toe.